HERE was me thinking the greatest outpouring of public anger I would ever witness in this game would be over Mo Johnston signing for Rangers.

But not for the first time I was hopelessly wrong.

What to do about Rangers’ newco has created the most bitter divide in Scottish football history. And we haven’t even had the vote that expels them from the SPL.

That doesn’t take place until tomorrow but every day a new dam bursts and floods this column.

Accountant Michael Shaddick, Edinburgh, e-mailed: “The age of the dinosaur has passed. Veiled threats about Scottish football dying if Rangers go to the Third Division won’t work.”

And Zander McKenzie interrupted his holiday in Ibiza to say: “I’m home on Wednesday and if Celtic vote no to Rangers newco I’m buying three season tickets. If they vote yes, I’ll buy none.”

But Bill Webster, Rochdale, said: “I’m an Aberdeen fan and the most enjoyment I get is from beating Rangers. I can’t get my fun if we’re not both in the SPL.”

Not a view shared by Garry McDonald, London, who said: “It’s time to stop the knee-jerk reactions, cure the personality disorder, give a show of hands to integrity and do the only sensible thing.

“Rangers must go down to the Third Division and be deducted points for the next three years.”

What about custodial sentences or deportation?

Neil MacLeod, Glasgow, e-mailed: “The Rangers issue highlights the small minds in this country and the impact of prejudice on a matter that needs cool heads. People should be careful what they wish for.”

Diane McMillan, Glasgow, e-mailed: “It’s wonderful to see all of these fans rushing to buy season tickets but where were they last season at Pittodrie, Tynecastle and Tannadice?

“These people would rather get rid of Rangers than support their own teams for the right reasons.”

Jack Jarvis, Glasgow, said: “Regan and Doncaster are the best double act since Jack and Victor. Do they make their decisions in the Clansman?”

James Eadie, Glasgow, said: “The chairmen of the clubs who don’t want Rangers are behaving like spivs. We should go to the Third Division and let them rot. Rangers are guilty of nothing.”

Stuart Thomson, Glasgow, said: “It’s a shocking state of affairs when Dundee United’s Jon Daly concedes the title to Celtic before a ball is kicked. No Rangers will be a turn-off for SPL fans.”

But John Kerr, Coatbridge, said: “It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. Rangers have been caught breaking the rules so it’s payback time.”

Jimmy Wilson, Glasgow, e-mailed: “There is mythology surrounding Rangers now. They haven’t been barred from Europe. They don’t meet the criteria to play there. It’s called breaking the rules of the competition.”

The poetry prize goes to John Bruce, who e-mailed: “An old proverb states that anyone can steer a ship when the sea is calm. But Scottish football’s legislators have failed to navigate their way from the calm seas of posturing to the stormy waters of leadership.”

Eh?

Frank Murphy, Edinburgh, kept it surreal. He said: “So much has been written about Rangers it’s only a matter of time before the Amazonian rain forests are depleted, the seas rise and every football pitch in the land is flooded. Water polo will then be Scotland’s national sport.”

It’s official – madness has set in.

Ken Geldard, Oban, said: “The clubs who don’t want Rangers are hiding behind the opinion of their fans. We should have a Rangers referendum and let the Ibrox season ticket holders decide where we want to play this season.”

Kieran McColville, Glasgow, said: “James Traynor should wind his neck in. He’s the one who lacks integrity because all his arguments about Rangers have to do solely with money.”

Have you ever run a business without money?

Stuart Crabbe, Irvine, said: “I never thought I’d agree with Traynor and Keevins but their pieces in Record Sport on the dangerous game being played with Rangers’ future summed up the sorry state of Scottish football.”

But Rab McDowall, Glasgow, e-mailed: “I can’t believe Traynor and Keevins trying to protect Rangers. They’re a joke and so are Walter Smith and John Brown. The truth is Rangers should have been pulled up years ago but you won’t print this.”

Better now, pet?

Ian McGougan, County Limerick, said: “Traynor’s view that booting Rangers out of the game would kick Scottish football was the last act of a desperate man. He’s only upset Celtic have told him nothing.”

But Chris McGuire, Glasgow, said: “Traynor was right to say people can’t see beyond their own hatred where Rangers are concerned. Reasoned argument is thin on the ground.”